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Help FEMA Spread the Word About Assistance, Approaching Deadline

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Many people who might be eligible for federal assistance to help with losses from recent severe storms and floods may not have heard that help is available. Whenever you talk with friends and co-workers who had damage, tell them there may be aid available to help them recover. The message is urgent because registration closes Aug. 9.

"Don't assume that because you know about FEMA recovery assistance other people with damages also know," said Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director James Bassham. "Lack of information can cause people to miss out on aid and that affects not only those individuals, but also recovery for the whole community."

Federal Emergency Management Agency grants can cover a wide variety of disaster-related expenses. Even for those with insurance, FEMA may be able to help with expenses not covered by their policies. Aid is not only for homeowners. Renters with any serious disaster-related losses may also be eligible for help.

These are the two federally declared disasters in Tennessee for which individuals and businesses may be eligible for assistance:

To register for assistance by phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet to m.fema.gov.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA's housing assistance and Other Needs Assistance grants for medical, dental, and funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be considered for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.Applicants who do not qualify for a SBA loan may be eligible to receive Other Needs Assistance grants for these items.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.